The Traveling Wheelchair

311 Plymouth Ave
Fall River MA 02721
Phone: 508-675-1110
http://www.applebees.com/

After working out at Healthrax Fitness & Wellness Center, Ric, Josh and I went to Applebee’s in Fall River for a healthy lunch. We found this Applebee’s restaurant is only partially wheelchair accessible.

We parked in a handicap parking space located on the front side of the building. The wheelchair access to the sidewalk is in front of the handicap parking space but a little far from the entry door. Normally this would not be a problem except here the sidewalk is very narrow and my wheelchair barely fit.

It’s also difficult to enter the restaurant because in order to open the entry door, I had to first wheel passed it. The entry door is not automatic; you will need help entering as it is difficult for a person in wheelchair to open and hold the door and wheel yourself inside with such a narrow curb space.

Once inside we first saw a dining area that is NOT wheelchair accessible due to three steps that lead to this dining area from two entry points. We were then greeted by a hostess who seated us at the ONLY wheelchair accessible table in the bar/lounge area. The other seating in this bar/lounge area is NOT accessible for the bar is too high and the other tables are all tall bar/style tables that are too tall; and some inaccessible booths. We saw another dining area to the side that has steps on one side and an accessible ramp on the other side; this area has a few wheelchair accessible tables, booths and tall bar/style tables. 

Our waitress was very kind, courteous and friendly. She took the time to listen to me place my food order. We’re all on diets and I ordered a weight watchers meal, which is only 7 points for a grilled chicken lunch with vegetables. This weight watchers meal was delicious and service was great.

The restrooms are spacious, wheelchair accessible and fully ADA compliant.

I give Applebee’s in Fall River TWO STARS for wheelchair accessibility.  In order to earn the other Three Stars they would need to widen the sidewalk leading to the entry door; redesign the front entrance with the narrow curb space because opening the door may be a safety issue for a person in a wheelchair; install an automatic entry door so a person in a wheelchair can enter independently; lower a small section of the bar to a wheelchair accessible height; and place a ramp to the dining area that is not at all accessible due to steps.